Class Act, "a rollicking take on the economy," by First Strike Theatre at the Lon Chaney Theater, southwest corner of Kiowa and Weber. $5-$8, though no one turned away for lack of funds. 632-6189. Fri.-Sat., Oct. 29 through Nov. 5, 8 p.m.

AUDITIONS AND NOTICES

Fort Carson's School of the Arts announcing auditions. For Alky, a play about teens and alcohol, on Fri., Oct. 1, 4-6 p.m. For Babes in Toyland, a musical, on Tues., Nov. 2, 4-7 p.m. For more, call Jennifer at 382-3840.

The Ice Fishing Play, a surreal comedy by Kevin Kling, at the Aurora Fox, Aurora. $16, 303/361-2910. Through Oct. 16.

Dearly Departed, a lively comedy about a colorful and dysfunctional group of Southern eccentrics, at the Avenue Theater, Denver. $15, discounts available. Call 303/321-5925. Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 16.

Riff Raff by Lawrence Fishburne, performed by the Shadow Theatre Company. $15. Call 303/837-9355. Fridays and Saturdays, though Oct. 16

Chicago, the "drop dead Broadway musical," in the Buell Theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver. $10-$55, 800/641-1222. Oct. 19-24.

Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, by Moises Kaufman, performed by the Denver Center Theater Company, in the Ricketson Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Denver. 800/641-1222, $23-$36. Through Oct. 23.

OUT OF TOWN DANCE

Colorado Ballet opening its 1999-2000 season with a performance of Agnes de Mille's Rodeo, Sir Frederick Ashton's Faade and a work by Australian choreographer Stanton Welch in the Auditorium Theater, Denver. For ticket information, call 303/830-TIXS. Runs Oct. 2-10.

Da Vinci Quartet opening its 1999/2000 season with a performance of Shostakovich, Loeffler and Beethoven in the Music Room of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 634-5583. $16-$20. Season tickets available for $60-$70. Sat., Oct. 9, 8 p.m.

Gold Camp Film Festival, featuring more than 15 classic Western movies spanning 50 years, in Cripple Creek and Victor. Includes Tombstone, Conagher, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Gunfight at the OK Corral, Unforgiven, City Slickers, and Buffalo Soldiers. 578-0906 Fri.-Sun., Oct. 1-3.

Tarnished Divas: The Image of Women in Films of the Third Reich, a series of seven German films at Colorado College's Max Kade Theater, corner of Cascade Ave. and Cache La Poudre St.Tues. Tues., Oct. 5, 7 p.m.: Die goldene Stadt, about Anna, the daughter of a rich farmer, who dreams of the golden city, Prague. Free.

22nd Denver International Film Festival sponsored by the Denver Film Society, 303/321-FILM (3456). Offering 120 films and many film makers will be present. Screenings: $7.50. Other packages available for the opening and closing night partys. Visit www.denverfilm.org for more. Oct. 7-14.

Western Heritage Days, an expanded version of the Pikes Peak Library's Cowboy Poetry Gathering, featuring a number of free programs at branch libraries on the West. At the Penrose Library: Cowboy Poetry Open Mike. Also includes: a Range and Ranch Supper Show, $20, at the East Library on Fri., Oct. 1, 6 p.m.; David Wilkie and "Cowboy Celtic," $18, at the Colorado Music Hall on Fri., Oct. 8, 7 p.m. See Special Events section for more. Call 531-6333 Ext. 1201 for more.

The Travel Group discussing My Journey to Lhasa by Alexandra David-Neel at the Citadel Barnes and Noble. Wed., Oct. 13, 7 p.m.

Business of Art Center, 513 Manitou Ave., 685-1861. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun., noon to 5 p.m.FOCUS: 24 Hours in the Pikes Peak Region, an exhibit of the photographs taken between noon July 24 and noon July 25, through Oct. 16.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 634-5581. $2-$4. Free to members and free to all on Saturdays. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. Daily docent tours at 10:30 a.m. Pikes Peak Legacy: Art of the Century offering an exhibit on the BAA and the CSFAC School of Art through Oct. 17. Efectos del Pas: Hispanic Weaving of Colorado and New Mexico through Oct. 31. Something New: Contemporary Regional Artists, through Nov. 28. Master Drawings: 700 Years of Inspiration from the Worcester Art Museum, through Nov. 28.

Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, Pueblo, 719/543-0130. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Tracy Felix: Landscape Paintings in the King Gallery, through Oct. 30. The Wild West: Photographs of David Levinthal in the Third Floor Foyer Gallery, through Oct. 30. Oil Painters of America in the Hoag and Regional Galleries, through Nov. 13. Impressions of the Southwest, an exhibit showcasing the work of 34 regional artists, in the White Gallery, through Nov. 6.

Smokebrush Center for Arts and Theater, 235 S. Nevada Ave., 444-0884. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring the work of Lindsay Ray in conjunction with the production of The Colorado Catechism. Through Oct. 2.

Warehouse Gallery, 25 W. Cimarron St., 475-8880. Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m. to midnight. Sat.-Sun., 4 p.m. to midnight. Blue Streak, a diverse showing of all blue work by The Mothers, a group of women artists who focus on experimental work. Through Oct. 31. Second reception with the artists on Oct. 3, 4-6 p.m.

First Friday, a "mindfully soul experience" for professionals, artists and friends to network and communicate in an atmosphere "trimmed with music, art and expression," at the Warehouse Restaurant and Gallery, 25 W. Cimarron, 475-8880. $6, includes buffet and entertainment. Fri., Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m.

ARTSPEAK

A weekly radio program hosted by David Sckolnik on KCME-FM 88.7. This week, an interview with Diane Bish, the host of public broadcasting's "The Joy of Music" and internationally renown organist, and a review of the the CSSO's Oct. 1 performance. Sat., Oct. 2, 5:30-6 p.m. Rebroadcast: Tues., Oct. 5, 10:30 p.m. Also, "Behind the Baton," the interviews with the candidates for the position of music director for the Colorado Springs Symphony; on Sept. 30, Lucas Richman.,

Western Heritage Days, an expanded version of the Pikes Peak Library's Cowboy Poetry Gathering, featuring a number of free programs at branch libraries on the West. At the East Library and Information Center: "The Trail Drover and His Regalia" by Sky Shivers and cowdog Miss Kitty on Sat., Oct. 2, 10:30 a.m.; "Pioneer Foods" on the tools used to prepare prairie plants and varmints on Sat., Oct. 2, 12:30 p.m.; "The Brindle Cow: A Storytelling Workshop" by Sky Shivers on Mon., Oct. 4, 7 p.m.; "Booger Red," a fast-paced musical history of a young cowboy and his sweetheart for the family on Tues., Oct. 5, 7 p.m. "A Day in the Life of a Homesteader's Kid" on toys, tools, clothing and the daily culture of late 19th century kids on Wed., Oct. 6, 1 p.m.; At the Penrose Library: Cowboy Poetry Open Mike; and "Kilts in the West: Scottish Influence in Western America" by performer Maggie May Sharp. Also includes: a Range and Ranch Supper Show, $20, at the East Library on Fri., Oct. 1, 6 p.m.; David Wilkie and "Cowboy Celtic," $18, at the Colorado Music Hall on Fri., Oct. 8, 7 p.m. Call 531-6333 Ext. 1201 for more.

Classic Car, Hot Rod and Motorcycle Poker Rally to benefit Easter Seals. Vehicles leave from Frankie's Bar and travel to six hotels in town, receiving a playing card at each stop. Six best poker hands at the end of the day win a night in one of the hotels. Call 574-9002 for more information. Wed., Oct. 6, 5 p.m.

A Salute to the Arts and Our Western Heritage, an unusual and upscale party in the Indoor Arena at the Penrose Equestrian Center. Features 16 national artists exhibiting their work, one-of-a-kind exhibits by the Pioneers Museum and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, demonstrations by potter Ed Clift as well as a mechanical horse, old-fashioned photos, and a trick roper. Dinner, dancing and live auction, too. Proceeds benefit the Pikes Peak Range Riders Foundation. $25-$30, 578-3366. Thurs., Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m.

A Festival of Champions, an inclusive family event featuring tours of the Olympic Training Center, meetings with athletes, a silent auction and light supper. Proceeds benefit PEAK Parent Center's efforts to create new possibilities for children with disabilities. $5-$7, 531-9400. Sun., Oct. 10, 5-8 p.m.

Roundtables, informal discussion groups for women entrepreneurs, sponsored by the National Association of Women Business Owners, at the Old Town Guest House, 115 S. 26th St. $15-$20, includes luncheon catered by the Picnic Basket. For reservations, call 527-5082. Thurs., Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

23rd annual Southern Colorado Economic Empowerment Breakfast, a method for small vendors and suppliers to link up with large businesses, with speaker Patricia Barela Rivera of the Small Business Administration, at the Antler's Adams Mark Hotel, 4 S. Cascade Ave. $15-$20; call 575-4325 for reservations. Fri., Oct. 15, 7-10 a.m.

Cut the Clutter, a series of classes for all pack rats, at the West Center for Intergenerational Learning, 25 N. 20th St. One class specifically designed for seniors. Call 444-7340.

Blazer Ski Club holding a beginning of season party at the Valley High Golf Course Clubhouse. Prospective members are invited to come. Information will be available on the 1999-2000 ski trips and other activities planned. For more, call 597-5164 or 633-7859. Sat., Oct. 2, 6 p.m.

R

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Air Force Falcons Football home games in the Air Force Falcon Stadium. $20-$56, 472-1895. Season tickets and family plans available. Versus Utah in a MWC game on Sat., Oct. 16. Versus the Army on Military Appreciation Day on Sat., Nov. 6. Versus UNLV in a MWC game on Sat., Nov. 13.

The World of Weasels and Their Kin at the Bear Creek Nature Center. Reservations required, 520-6387. Sat., Oct. 9, 1-2 p.m.

Trails and Open Space Coalition sponsoring hikes on private property in Red Rock Canyon on Saturdays and Sundays to raise public support for the purchase of the property. The 2.5 hour hike is moderate to strenuous. Bring water and rain gear. Call 578-9155 for more. Saturdays at 9 a.m. Sundays at 1 p.m., through Oct. 10.

Initiatives Teens to Twenties, a support groupfor people in their teens or early 20s who have been diagnosed with a depressive illness, meeting on the first Wednesday of every month at Otis Park Community Center, 731 N. Iowa St. Call 477-1515 for more information. Next meeting: Wed., Oct. 6.

Adult Epilepsy/Seizure disorder support group meeting on the third Wednesday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Easter Seals Southern Colorado, 225 S. Academy, Suite 104. Call 636-0009 for more. Next meeting: Oct. 20.

Man to Man, a program offering men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer the chance to talk with a prostate cancer survivor. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Call 636-5101

The Post Polio Syndrome Support Group meeting on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Easter Seals Southern Colorado, 225 S. Academy, Suite 104. Next meeting: Oct. 9

Family Caregiver Support Group sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association on the second Tuesday of every month from 1:30-3 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 1524 N. Tejon St. Call 266-8773 for more information. Next meeting: Oct. 12.

Adult Epilepsy/Seizure disorder support group meeting on the third Wednesday of every month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Easter Seals Southern Colorado, 225 S. Academy, Suite 104. Call 636-0009 for more. Next meeting: Oct. 16

Scleroderma support group for those suffering from this complex and puzzling disease, which often takes years to diagnose. Symptoms include the inexplicable firming of the skin on the hands and unexplained swelling or itching. Most sufferers are women between 25 and 55 years old. Call 531-9397 for more.